April 25, 2011 - Alleluia! for Today
Jeremy D. Scott
John 14:1-14
“Alleluia!” is still fresh on our lips. And yet perhaps the things of yesterday (Resurrection Sunday) have made us a bit weary today. It’s a good weary: not unlike the feeling of stretching after an unexpected, yet fulfilling nap. But we find ourselves still yet in this world. With the Resurrected Christ on our hearts and minds, we have confidence and a feeling of victory. But as we enter back into the realms of school, the workplace, the marketplace, or wherever else life places us on a Monday, we are now again aware that not everyone “gets it.”
And right on cue, Thomas surfaces in our gospel passage for today. But he’s not alone this time. Philip is a “worthy” partner. Together, they ask of Jesus questions that are quite appropriate for the day after Easter. For despite our feelings of awe and wonder in wake of the Resurrection, we likely have some questions. The gospels tell us that some of Christ’s disciples who saw him post-resurrection did too: “...and some doubted.”
Thomas and Philip are speaking with Jesus prior to the Resurrection here in John 14, but their questions might jive with our own: “Where you at, Jesus? And how do we get there?”
Like he did for Martha not too long before, Jesus reminds Thomas that he himself is the answer to the question (the way and the destination). Jesus himself is sufficient. And just in case we didn’t get it the first time, Philip pushes for some clarification. Jesus himself is sufficient. He is the way to God because he is one with God.
Take a look at Jesus : Take a look at God.
We shouldn’t be tempted to read Jesus’ words here simply as a demand for the need to pray the “sinner’s prayer” at an altar once upon a time. That’s not unlike thinking that being married simply requires an “I do” at an altar. A lasting and true marriage requires daily grace and love, and being able to follow Jesus to where he might take us requires no less.
Our celebration of the Resurrection just yesterday is only as worthwhile as our choice to sing “Alleluia” again today. As we return to the regularly-scheduled program at the beginning of the week, we do well to remember Christ’s words: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Believe...”
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
God, as I enter into the things of life today, grant me the remembrance of what Christ did yesterday, that I might face them with the Resurrected One leading me all the way. Amen.
